Hartig Drug Celebrates Century of Service

Hartig USA Drug is celebrating its
100th anniversary as a "corner drugstore."
Founded in 1904 in Dubuque,
Iowa, by A.J. Hartig, the company is
the second oldest family-owned chain
in the country. "People still want and
need a corner drugstore," said Dick
Hartig, RPh, MBA, owner and chief
executive officer of Hartig Drug.

Hartig describes his employees as
"family." Several of the employees
have been with the company for more
than 40 years. Hartig attributes "flexibility,
responsiveness, a focus on the
consumer, and more personalized
attention" as reasons for Hartig's
longevity. Throughout its 100 years of
service, Hartig has focused on its customers.
The company continues its
direct line of communication with its
customers using its "If you talk, we'll
listen" program. Hartig Drug's president
personally reviews all customer
comments.

Pharmacy technology has also
allowed Hartig Drug to put the customer
first. "We've embraced technology
in every way, shape, and form we
can afford," said Hartig. "It has to do
with quality of life issues for the pharmacist,
pharmacy technician, and the
patient. The pharmacists are happier
in their practice and not bogged down
in the mundane aspects of the job.
We've put the pharmacist in front of
the people."

Hartig Drug wants to provide customers
with a hometown-pharmacy
feel, and that is why Hartig strives to
turn customers into friends and return
customers. Hartig Drug has 15 stores
located in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois,
including traditional drugstores
and a long-term care pharmacy.